Ozempic Death: What Latest Studies Say About Risks

Summary

Ozempic work well for losing weight and diabetes, but in some rare cases, deaths have been reported. It is when the drug is used incorrectly, bought from fake sources or taken by people with other medical conditions. This shows why Ozempic should only be taken under doctor’s supervision.

 

Knowing Ozempic

Ozempic is a once a week prescription injection that was originally developed to treat diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of heart problems in diabetic patients.

Many people nowadays use Ozempic for weight loss. It became so popular for weight management and doctors and clinics are paying close attention to how it is used and its possible risks involved..

See our treatment page on Ozempic London to know more about weight loss treatments.

 

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic works by copying a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 which helps control blood sugar and reduce appetite.

It activates GLP-1 receptors in your body and helps in three ways:

• It tells the pancreas to release insulin when your blood sugar spikes.
• It minimises glucagon, a hormone that increases your blood sugar.
• It slows the digestion and helps you feel full and eat less.

 

Reported Ozempic Deaths

Understanding the Facts

Office for National Statistics (ONS)

• The exact number of deaths solely by Ozempic is unclear.
• This is because death certificates and medical coding (ICD-10) often include multiple contributing factors, and that makes it difficult to isolate one single cause.

 

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

• There are recorded 82 deaths that are connected to GLP-1 agonists.
• Many of these patients had serious health conditions, and it is not clear if Ozempic is the real cause

Doctors and clinics continue to monitor all safety reports closely to ensure the medication is used safely.

 

Case Studies: Ozempic Deaths in the UK and Abroad

Due to limited data because of confidentiality of each case, these are some reports of Ozempic deaths:

• In the UK: The MHRA received reports of 18 deaths between June 2020 and November 2024 related to weight loss injections like semaglutide, but some of them involved off-label or unsafe use.
• In the US: 10 deaths and 100 hospitalisations were reported which are linked to unregulated versions of the drug (copy-cat forms).
• Globally: The World Health Organization (WHO) warned patients about fake Ozempic pens sold online, these can be dangerous.

 

Verified Before & After

Verified Before & After

 

Risks and Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Most Ozempic users experience mild side effects in their stomach. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation or diarrhoea

These are not dangerous but it may affect daily comfort.

• Some people feel nauseous in the first week of Ozempic or when increasing their dose.
• If not managed well, these side effects make treatment harder to stick with, that is why clinics closely monitor diet and dose adjustments.

 

Serious but Rare Risks

Although uncommon, some people have severe reactions that may require hospitalisation or in rare cases, death. These include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Wrong dose or fake products
• Existing medical conditions

Clinics reduce risks by screening carefully, proper dosing and monitoring every patient.

Read our article about Understanding Ozempic Side Effects: A Comprehensive Guide.

 

Investigating Links Between Ozempic and Death

Results are mixed when you look into reports of deaths linked to Ozempic.

• It is found that obese people without diabetes, who are using semaglutide actually had lower overall death rates than those on placebo. This means that when Ozempic is used correctly, it might even protect health rather than harm it.
• But real world reports in the UK have recorded 82 deaths that are linked to GLP-1 drugs, though many of these do not clearly know if the drug itself caused death.
• Researchers agree that we need more data, especially in people with underlying medical conditions.

 

What Increases the Risk?

These factors can make Ozemoic more risky.

• You are using it off-label for weight loss
• You use fake or compounded version
• There is no medical supervision using Ozempic
• You have pre-existing medical conditions
• Incorrect dosing or quick dose increase

There is also surgery risk because Ozempic slows digestion, it can increase the risk of complications during surgery or sedation. These risks are managed carefully through the guidance and proper monitoring of your GP.

Our article about How Does Ozempic Work in the Body? A Deep Dive Into Its Mechanism will guide you about this weight loss treatment.

 

Conclusion

Ozempic can be highly effective in management of type 2 diabetes and losing weight, but it must be used carefully under your doctor’s supervision. Any serious harm or death are very rare, but possible if the drug is misused, bought from unverified sources or used without medical supervision.

In trusted clinics, careful screening, proper dosing and monitoring keep patients safe. If used correctly, it can be a part of a balanced plan for better health and long term weight management.

See our other guide to understand more about Ozempic:

Ozempic and Alcohol: Risks, Interactions & Safe Use

What You Should Do If You Experience diarrhoea While Taking Ozempic

How to Use Ozempic Pen: Step-by-Step Guide

 

FAQs

• Can Ozempic cause death?

Very rare, reported deaths are usually connected to misuse, fake medicines, and having serious health problems.

• How many deaths have been reported in the UK?

The ONS and MHRA report around 82 deaths linked to GLP-1 drugs in the UK. Exact numbers for Ozempic alone are limited.

• Is Ozempic safe for weight loss?

Safe under supervision for approved indications, but off-label use increases risks.

• What happens if you overdose on Ozempic?

Overdose can cause severe drops on sugar levels and potentially life-threatening complications.

• How can I use Ozempic safely?

Only use Ozempic if it is prescribed by your doctor, and do not source it from any unverified suppliers.